FOLLIES in Concert

Vintage Theatre: June 20 – 29

Stephen Sondheim’s “FOLLIES in Concert” is being given a rousing production at Vintage Theatre in Aurora. It’s a tribute to the women and men ‘of a certain age’ who have blessed us with their talents. It’s a seldom-produced musical that has some unforgettable numbers revolving around resilience, reminiscence and reunion.

This time “Follies” is being done as a concert version, stripped down to its heart-beating essence, and focused on the characters developed by Sondheim and James Goldman, who wrote the book.

     Caleb Wenger’s astute music direction reveals an acute awareness of Sondheim’s idiosyncratic rhythms, accents and pauses.      

     Director Bernie Cardell has carved out a cast of scintillating stars the like of which may put you in mind of that of Arvada Center’s “THE WOMEN” a couple decades ago or of Don Berlin’s cast of theatre goddesses in his unforgettable production of “NINE!” 

     With only a tatterdemalion curtain to represent the ruins of the once grand and elegant Weissman theatre, and a few elegant frocks and tuxes, Cardell succeeds by focusing on the music, lyrics and yes, emotional heart of this show.

The cast is beyond stellar. This is a production to relish and revisit if you can. (I’m buying a ticket for tonight!)    With the touch of the poet the resilience of these great ladies and gentlemen of the theatre is framed with loving direction by maestro Cardell.

Deborah Persoff’s magnificent performance of “I’m Still Here,” is a heart-opening, heart-breaking and life-affirming anthem of resilient gratitude for being alive. It’s an epic crescendo that brings down the curtain to Act One with passion and power!

Sue Leiser’s hilarious belting of “Broadway Baby,” is beyond stunning! 

Susie Roelofsz’ rendition of “Out of My Mind” mesmerizes as it haunts us with nuanced introspective tenderness and reminiscence. 

Both Brian Hutchinson (Ben Stone) and Jeremy Rill (Buddy Plummer) articulate the complexities of Sondheim’s score with astounding skill. Their work here will bring up memories of their brilliant work as Frederick Egerman and Carl Magnus respectively in Cherry Creek Theatre’s outstanding production of Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music.”

Mary McGroary is brilliant in her singing -and dancing- of the part of Phyllis Stone.

Marcia Ragonetti adds a touch of operatic forte! – you will remember her for her excellent work as Norma Desmond in Vintage Theatre’s “Sunset Boulevard” and as Maria Callas in Miners Alley’s “Master Class.”

Jan Cleveland’s lilting tribute to “Paris,” is auditory champagne. 

Sharon Dwinnell, Lars Preece, Joey Wishnia, Joe Barnard, Tracy Kern, Jim Hitzke and so many more, sparkle and shine.

Run to get tickets!!!

For tickets call the box office at 303-856-7830 or go online at vintagetheatre.org